June 17, 1998
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM KENNARD
ON DISTRICT COURT UPHOLDING RADIO LICENSING REQUIREMENT
IN DUNIFER PIRATE RADIO CASE
I am pleased that U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken (Northern District,
California) has issued a permanent injunction against Stephen Dunifer from broadcasting
without an FCC license, and from taking any actions to enable others to broadcast without a
license.
This decisive court action puts to rest any doubts about the FCC's authority to manage
the public airwaves to prevent interference and protect the public's safety.
The permanent injunction in the Dunifer case, and the FCC's success in the last two
years in shutting down over 200 pirate stations, should send a message to all pirate
broadcasters: obey the law - and join the FCC in our efforts to expand the legal uses of the
public airwaves.
- FCC -